Hachigo posing with the Riding Assist-e self-balancing motorcycle.
On the sidelines of the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, Honda Motor president and CEO Takahiro Hachigo spoke to journalists about the challenges in expanding green vehicle sales, his love for sports cars, and the automaker's efforts to reduce its environmental footprint.
Earlier in June, the Japanese automaker had outlined its vision which aims to have green vehicles forming two-thirds of its global sales by 2030.
"Two-thirds or 65 percent of our sales in 2030 will be hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), full battery EV (electric vehicle) models and hydrogen powered/fuel cell (FCV) vehicles," said Hachigo.
Electrification challenges
Hachigo does not think that major oil producing nations or regions like the United States, Russia and the Middle East will oppose the expanding use of green vehicles.
"Electrification is not a purpose in itself. Our objective is to conserve natural resources, and reduce CO2 emissions. Ultimately, consumers have freedom to decide on what they want."
He said the challenges are improving EV technology, reducing the cost of production, and building infrastructure for EVs.
"Regarding the first two challenges, it depends on us. Regarding infrastructure, we have to work with governments."
Collaborations and diesel cars
Honda Motor has no plans to strike deals that involve mergers or acquisitions with other automakers.
"On co-operation with other automakers, we do not intend to enter into any deals involving equity or shareholding," said Hachigo.
He said, however, Honda was happy to build win-win partnerships involving technology or products.
Hachigo cited as an example, Honda's joint venture with General Motors (GM) on hydrogen fuel technology. In January 2017, Honda and GM announced the setting up of the auto industry’s first joint venture to mass produce an advanced hydrogen fuel cell system that will be used in future products from each company.
Fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) can operate on hydrogen made from renewable sources such as wind and biomass. Water vapour is the only emission from FCVs.
Hachigo also said Honda would continue making diesel cars since there is still market demand. "For diesel vehicles, our top market is Europe. But diesel cars in Europe will be phased out gradually, as the shift to EVs happens.
However, it does not mean we will stop making diesel cars. There is good demand for diesel cars in India and other countries."
READ MORE:
2017 Tokyo Motor Show: Honda bullish on hybrids for Asians
2017 Tokyo Motor Show: Honda passion for sports cars
